Ukhrul, March 03: A campaign on the excesses committed by the security forces in Manipur under the immunity guaranteed by the infamous Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 was conducted with grassroots people's organisations of southern States of Tamil Nadu and Kerela from February 16 to 18. The campaign aimed at highlighting the reported atrocities of the armed forces and exposing the darker and inhuman sides of AFSPA was participated by vice-president of Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL) Anandi and programme executive of Human Rights Alert S Rakesh.

At a press meet at Press Club here today, Anandi said that during the campaign hosted by the Kerela Coastal Women's Forum, fishermen of Tamil Nadu and Kerela were informed about the martial law and the various acts of atrocity being committed in Manipur under the Act.

On hearing about the tales of violence, crimes and atrocities and the hardships being endured by the Manipuri women, the people there expressed disbelief and shock, conveyed Anandi.

They also assured all possible assistance towards the struggle of Manipuri people to repeal the draconian AFSPA from the State in toto.

Expressing solidarity to Irom Sharmila who has been fasting for 8 years against the inhumane Act, they presented a memento to Sharmila.

The Coastal Women's Forum also launched a signature campaign during which signatures of 10,000 people were collected in favour of their demand for revocation of AFSPA from Manipur and implementation of Jeevan Reddy Committee report.

The Forum also submitted a memorandum to the Defence Minister AK Antony, said Anandi.

Though the people there had the perception that heavy deployment of security forces in Manipur was to control ethnic conflicts in the State, they endorsed the demand for revocation of AFSPA after learning the state of affairs prevalent in Manipur, Rakesh conveyed.

Comment